Pampered Dog Blog

The Black and Tan Coonhound, is an impressive distinctive looking dog that excels as a hunting companion.

These medium-to-large sized dogs are predominantly black with tan markings on the muzzle, chest and legs. In common with many hound breeds they have long ears, lanky legs and loose fitting skin. Black and tans can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 55 and75 pounds.

The breed was developed by crossing the Talbot Hound with the Bloodhound and Foxhound. The Black and Tan was the first dog developed specifically to track and tree raccoons. However, their supreme tracking ability, and appetite for hard work, soon saw them being used to hunt all kinds of game, including deer, bear, and even mountain lions.

Besides his value as a working dog, the Black and Tan also makes a great pet for the right owner. They are loyal, good-natured dogs, who bond very strongly with their human pack. They are also intelligent and quick to learn.

They do however need a great deal of exercise and will therefore do best with an active family. Without proper exercise Black and Tans can become destructive and are prone to howling when left alone.

Training, socialization and alpha leadership are a must with this breed. They can be aggressive with other dogs if not properly socialized and are also compulsive trackers who will chase small animals if not leashed.

While they are generally good with people they are not really suited to small children as they may be too boisterous for them.With the right training and sufficient exercise though this is an excellent pet and a wonderful companion.

The Black and Tan is generally a robust, healthy breed and suffers from few inherited diseases. There is a risk of hip dysplasia and, as with many long eared breeds, they may suffer ear infections. Eye problems also occur occasionally.

Black and Tans love to eat and are therefore prone to obesity. Strict portion and treat control is therefore advised.

This breed requires only minimal grooming and a weekly brush down is all it takes to keep the coat looking its best. A check on ears and eyes, to keep them clean and free of infection, should also form part of your weekly grooming routine.

Black and tans are active dogs and not really suited to apartment living. They do best with an active lifestyle and plenty of room to move around. They are a hardy breed and quite capable of staying outdoors in all weathers, although they do prefer being close to their family.

Finding puppy names, for your Black and Tan Coonhound is an easy task, when you know where to look. My recommendation is puppy names hq.com, a site with an extensive database of dog names including 1000s of female dog names to choose from.